Punctuation

In general, rules guiding standard English writing can carry over into journalist writing.

1. Periods are optional in time designations; this should be consistent.
2. Always place periods inside quotation marks.
   1. Correct: Looking to the sky, Erin exclaimed, "Rain is on its way."
   2. Incorrect: Looking to the sky, Erin exclaimed, "Rain is on its way".
3. For money amounts less than one dollar, spell out the word "cents." Use a dollar sign for amounts of a dollar or greater.
   1. Correct: 50 cents
   2. Incorrect: $0.50
4. Periods should separate dollars from cents.
5. When a dollar amount is even, do not include a zero or decimal points.
   1. Correct: $2
   2. Incorrect: $2.00
6. Use a comma to separate independent clauses
   1. Mr. Rodoff introduced the championship football team onto the field, and the audience rose in applause.
7. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause that begins a sentence
   1. When the announcer introduced the team to the field, the audience rose in applause.
8. Use a comma to incorporate a direct quotation
   1. The quarterback explained that, "the opposing team had a strong defense, but a weak offensive strategy, allowing us to gain the upper hand."
9. Using commas to separate numerals at every third digit
   1. 1,234,567,890
10. Use a comma to separate words in a series. Before the last word, include the word and.
    1. Correct: The prizes awarded at Post Prom included a flat screen television, an Avon gift basket, and a desktop computer set.
    2. Incorrect: The prizes awarded at Post Prom included a flat screen television, an Avon gift basket and a desktop computer.
11. Use semicolons sparingly in journalistic writing.
12. Use a semicolon to separate clauses of a compound sentence connected by words including however, otherwise, or therefore.
    1. He could have completed his homework; however, he thought that going out with friends would be a better use of his time.
13. use a semicolon to separate independent, but related, clauses without a conjunction (and, so, but)
    1. The School Board voted for the proposal; the community members at the meeting wanted the proposal to be voted down.
14. Semicolons always go outside quotation marks
    1. The classroom assistant stated that, "the students seemed to enjoy the novel"; a poll of the students showed contrary results.
15. Use a colon to show clock time
    1. 7:30
16. So not use a colon for clock times on the hour (see time designations)
17. Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as the following, but not after the expression such as. Do not use a colon if the list comes immediately after a preposition or verb, including forms of the word include.
    1. Correct: The bake sale had multiple items: cakes, pies, and brownies.
    2. Incorrect: The bake sale had multiple items, including: cakes, pies, and brownies.
18. Capitalize the first letter following a colon only if it begins a complete sentence
    1. Correct: The principal made this announcement: The school will close 15 minutes early today.
    2. Incorrect: The teacher only had one thing in their grade book: Attendance records.
19. Use double quotation marks for direct quotes. Use single quotation marks to set off quotes within quotes.
    1. The football captain explained that, "The other team's coach's remark was completely uncalled for. It was in extremely poor taste to call me a, 'lousy cheater.'"
20. Use quotation marks for titles of short works, such as poems, short stories, TV shows, and songs.
    1. The unofficial anthem of No Place for Hate is Langston Hughes' "I'm Still Here."